Vathek is the Abbasid caliph ruling from Samarah, known for his hedonism and a temper so fierce his right eye can cause physical harm to those he glares at. He builds grand palaces to satisfy his physical appetites and surrounds himself with learned men to debate theology and science. His insatiable curiosity and desire for supernatural knowledge make him an easy target for dark forces, prompting a downward spiral of reckless behavior.

Carathis is a Greek princess and Vathek’s mother. Highly intelligent and ruthless, she actively pursues dark magic and esoteric studies from her secure tower. She encourages her son’s obsession with the subterranean palace and takes a leading role in conducting horrific rituals, displaying an absolute lack of fear or moral hesitation.

Nouronihar is the lively daughter of Emir Fakreddin. Raised in a pious mountain home, she is initially engaged to her delicate cousin, Gulchenrouz. However, her inherent curiosity and ambition draw her toward Vathek and the supernatural riches he promises, pulling her away from her innocent life and setting her on a dangerous path.

Also known as the Giaour, he is an unnervingly ugly merchant who arrives in Samarah possessing rare wonders. He tempts Vathek with the treasures of a subterranean palace, requiring the caliph to abandon his Islamic faith and commit brutal sacrifices in exchange for unimaginable power.

Morakanabad is Vathek’s chief vizier. He is a capable and dutiful administrator who struggles with his leader's descent into cruelty. Despite losing his own sons to Vathek’s madness, his deep-seated sense of loyalty prevents him from immediately breaking ties with the caliph.

Bababalouk is the practical and highly loyal head of Vathek’s eunuchs. He tends to the daily needs of the caliph and his traveling party, entirely unbothered by the morality of Vathek’s actions. He frequently steps up to manage logistics when Vathek is paralyzed by rage or grief.

Fakreddin is a devout Muslim emir and the lord of a lush mountain valley. He values hospitality and religious devotion, cultivating his lands by hand. He hosts Vathek’s stranded party but quickly grows disturbed by the caliph’s arrogance and inappropriate interest in his daughter.

Gulchenrouz is Nouronihar’s cousin and betrothed. He is a gentle youth who shares many similarities with Nouronihar. Deeply devoted to his cousin, he struggles to adapt when forced into hiding by Fakreddin, preferring music and simple comforts over the harsh realities of the world.

Dilara is Vathek’s former favorite wife. Raised among magi, she fully supports Vathek’s dark quest and desperately wishes to join him in the subterranean palace. She acts as an informant for Carathis when Vathek strays from his path.

Motavakel is Vathek’s brother. He remains in the background until the populace's anger toward Vathek reaches a breaking point, allowing him to step in and claim the throne of Samarah.

The religious prophet who observes Vathek from heaven. Displeased with the caliph’s lack of faith and self-indulgence, he dispatches agents to test and warn Vathek as the ruler strays further into darkness.

An agent of Mahomet (a jinni), he intervenes in the mortal world to offer Vathek a final chance at repentance, taking the form of a singing shepherd. He also acts to protect the innocent victims of Vathek and Carathis’s cruelty.

The dark ruler of the subterranean palace. Appearing as a beautiful but deeply unwell young man, he presides over the wealth and the damned souls that Vathek desperately seeks to join.

An ancient ruler residing in the subterranean palace. He presides over a room of talismans and serves as a tragic warning, having been led astray by curiosity and a woman during his own lifetime.

A loyal servant to Emir Fakreddin. She assists the emir in his plot to fake the deaths of Nouronihar and Gulchenrouz, acting as their caretaker and managing the little people during their confinement by the lake.